FAMILY RIFT WIDENS: Suplico hits Tupas–Montesclaros kin over Iloilo flood project row

By Mariela Angella Oladive

A long-running political and familial rift in Iloilo’s 5th congressional district resurfaced after Board Member Rolex Suplico delivered a privilege speech titled “Cong-tractors” during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s regular session on Oct. 28.

In his speech, Suplico – a cousin of former congressman Raul “Boboy” Tupas – accused members of the Tupas–Montesclaros family of having conflicts of interest in multimillion-peso flood control projects allegedly awarded to firms linked to Representative Binky April Montesclaros-Tupas, Raul’s wife.

“Was there a conflict of interest between Congressman Boboy Tupas and the contracts awarded to the company of his wife’s family? The answer is yes,” Suplico said.

He cited Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) documents and Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) reports alleging that M. Montesclaros Enterprises Inc. (MMEI) – a Bukidnon-based construction firm owned by the Montesclaros family – secured numerous government contracts, including projects in Iloilo’s 5th District.

According to Suplico, the Montesclaros family operates through a holding company with interests in construction, agriculture, real estate, and hospitality.

He claimed that MMEI and its affiliates received an estimated PHP2.9 billion in flood control contracts in northern Iloilo since 2022.

Suplico attributed the company’s rise in Iloilo to the Tupas–Montesclaros marriage, saying “family ties opened political and business doors” in the province.

“The era of the Tupases in the 5th District has ended, so they say,” he added.

“The era of the Montesclaroses has started – or so it seems – until the anomalous flood control projects exploded during the 4th SONA last July 28,” he said.

He called the situation “a visible display of personal gain over public service.”

Suplico also invoked the late Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. – his uncle and Raul’s father – claiming the former governor had warned against the Montesclaros family’s involvement in district politics.

He recalled a conversation with former congressman Niel “Junjun” Tupas Jr., who allegedly said their late father “did not want the Montesclaroses meddling in the 5th District because they would destroy his good name.”

This drew an objection from Board Member Nielito “Nielo” Tupas, also a son of the late governor, who said it was inappropriate to invoke his father’s name in the debate.

“He [Suplico] wasn’t there in many of those moments,” Nielo said.

“My father has long passed away and can no longer defend himself,” he added.

Nielo also pointed out that the 2010 graft case cited by Suplico against their father was dismissed by the Sandiganbayan in 2016.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan deferred action on Suplico’s privilege speech, pending a resolution filed by Board Member Mondejar requesting the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit contracts, proof of payments, and project drawings for review.

In response, Rep. Tupas and her husband issued a joint statement calling Suplico’s allegations “baseless, disrespectful, and politically motivated.”

“When the names of our late loved ones – tatay, the late Governor Niel Tupas Sr., and papa, the late Marianito Montesclaros – are dragged into baseless accusations, silence becomes disrespectful,” they said.

“We urge BM Rolex Suplico, being both a cousin and a government official, to refrain from publicity stunts and to get his facts straight from proper authorities,” the couple added.

They described Suplico’s claims as “twisted facts drawn from polluted sources,” stating that their focus remains on public service and district development.

“The political season ended last May 2025,” they said.

“At this time, politics should not be about ambition or division but about unity and progress for our people,” the couple added.

Despite calls for unity, the long-standing feud within the Tupas clan continues to influence the political dynamics in the 5th District.

Rep. Binky Tupas recently ran against her brother-in-law, Niel Jr. – Raul’s older brother – for the district’s congressional seat.

Their family rivalry dates back to the 2016 elections, when Niel Jr.’s wife, Yvonne, ran against Raul for Congress; Raul, then vice governor, won.

The conflict intensified in the 2019 and 2022 elections, when Raul and Niel Jr. again competed for the congressional seat – both times ending in Raul’s favor.

Although the 2025 polls initially signaled reconciliation, with Niel Jr. endorsing Raul’s vice-gubernatorial bid, tensions resurfaced in February.

During a Feb. 12 gathering at the Tupas family’s ancestral home in Barotac Viejo, Niel Jr. publicly endorsed Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque, breaking ranks with Raul.

He was joined at the event by his cousin Suplico and his brother, former mayor Niel “Beng” Tupas III, who also ran for provincial board but lost.